Support & Inspiration
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. More than 300,000 school children through age 14 in the United States have epilepsy. The epilepsy community is incredibly generous in sharing its stories, resources and solutions. This network can not only help you handle any problems, but, even more importantly, it can show you all that is possible for a child growing up with epilepsy.
Visit this website’s resources & connections section for information on health-care coverage and financial issues, summer camps and discussion groups, and support services. Talk to other parents about their families’ experiences. Read and watch profiles of others who have grown up with epilepsy. Share these stories and information with children who are old enough to understand them. It can inspire them and give them confidence when talking to others about epilepsy.
Cassie Hall, a high school honors student, wrote "Despite all social misunderstandings and inconveniences involved with having epilepsy, I am stronger than my condition; it will not tie me down." It clearly hasn’t tied her down, as Cassie’s college plans and membership in her high school’s creative writing program, environmental club and orchestra prove. Read more of Cassie’s EpilepsyUSA "In My Own Words..." column.
While there’s no easy solution, there is a lot of support. Become part of this community and help your child live the fullest life possible.
10 Ways Parents Can Help
As a parent, there are many things you can do to provide support and inspiration to your child:
- Learn as much as you can about epilepsy
- Discuss epilepsy openly and honestly with your child
- Avoid saying things that could make your child feel like a problem or burden
- Be positive
- Praise your child’s success
- Encourage sports, hobbies and other interests
- Help your child make friends
- Work with your child to explain epilepsy to friends, relatives, teachers and others
- Continue family activities and traditions
- Make time for yourself without feeling guilty
